Keep in mind that the RB-115 only produces 200 W if an external speaker is used. It produces 100 W into the internal 15" speaker ... same as the RB-112.
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Ampeg Rocket Bass Combos
- Thread starter kranahan
- Start date
Keep in mind that the RB-115 only produces 200 W if an external speaker is used. It produces 100 W into the internal 15" speaker ... same as the RB-112.
I am sure I would be happy with either, I just think the rumble would meet my needs more. Now I can sell the hartke and start saving for some other fun stuff.
It's a good observation. The Rumble 500 is rated at 350 watts at 8 ohms, and the RB-210 is rated at 250 watts at 8 ohms. Both are 500 watts at 4 ohms.
I wonder if both are similar loudness without extension cab, and Rumble is over-estimating watts while Ampeg is under-estimating watts. Or is the Rumble 500 truly louder.
How is the grille cloth attached? I wanted to remove mine to tighten up the tweeter, but it's not quite as easy-out as I'm comfortable with yanking on.
The grill on my RB-110 is attached with velcro. There are two little fabric tabs sticking out from the bottom edge of the grill that you can use to pull it away from the baffle.
Once I put my mind to "I'm not gonna break it" it came right out. Thanks!
That's a lot more convenient than the old "unscrew a screw that holds the logo on the grill, then pull the screw with pliers until the velcroed grill comes off" method.
I've run the gamut on bass amps/speaker sizes from small practice combos to tube driven 8x10s and there are trade-offs when considering 10s vs. 12s vs. 15s on their own in a single box combo, and your decision largely depends on your style and preferences…
IMO, the RB112 is the 'sweet spot' in the RB lineup for home practice, rehearsals, and/or small gigs – especially if all you want a smallish, highly portable stand-alone combo. For me that’s likely a 1x12 over a 2x10 (owned 2) or 1x15 (owned 2). I recently purchased the RB110 (sold), then the RB112, without any consideration of the RB115 when deciding on a home practice/small gig combo… and it truly sounds fantastic! Unless you really need or plan on using the ext. speaker with an RB115, the RB112 will be well suited for most situations; and 'straight in' I might actually prefer it's tone and simplicity over my much larger Mesa 2x15 rig at 5x the cost!
Thanks for your comments here. I have a B-100R, which sounds great but weighs a ton. How do you think the sound compares between the two?
If a comparison to a B-200R is applicable (and I admit it prob isn't) the RB112 is overall the better sounding amp. Tho with its more limited EQ it is far more tilted toward a baked-in 'Ampeg' tone.
Still, the RB-112 may be too small depending on the loudness of your band. In a loud band, I would be inclined to spring for the RB-115 at least.
I used a Rumble 100 for a few years at practice and gigs, and found it to be a little small for the odd gig. After replacing it with the RB-210, in hindsight the Rumble 100 was under powered for practice in addition to gigs.
Of course the Rumble 100 is voiced different, but both are 12" Class D combos rated at 100 watts.
So going back to this point of muting the RB112 speaker output by plugging in headphones...
Would there be any issue if I plug a stereo TRS cable in instead of headphones? I only have one set of 1/4" headphones but I have a bunch of cables laying around. I don't want to risk damage by just trying it!
So, after studying and studying, I cashed in all my music store gift cards and got a RB-110 for $150 ($115 US).
Big desire was the low weight of it, for humping back and forth to practice.
I have a bigger rig for real gigs in large rooms.
Used it at band rehearsal in the garage, with loud lead guitar player, not-as-loud rhythm guitar player, and drummer who uses rocket sticks.
Master volume at 2 o'clock, no use of SGT. EQ at 12 o'clock for all three.
The 110 was perfectly capable of keeping up. Drummer liked the sound, and the look of it.
Looking forward to next session already!
Big desire was the low weight of it, for humping back and forth to practice.
I have a bigger rig for real gigs in large rooms.
Used it at band rehearsal in the garage, with loud lead guitar player, not-as-loud rhythm guitar player, and drummer who uses rocket sticks.
Master volume at 2 o'clock, no use of SGT. EQ at 12 o'clock for all three.
The 110 was perfectly capable of keeping up. Drummer liked the sound, and the look of it.
Looking forward to next session already!
Great! I have the RB-112 and it shakes!! However, the guitar during a rehearsal can easily drown out the 112. Anyone have experience with the RB-115 at a rehearsal?
